How successful were President Obama’s efforts in climate diplomacy?

Samoraj, Jakub Lukasz

Abstract

This thesis explores the possibility of combating climate change as a result of climate diplomacy exercised by President Obama. The aim is to examine President Obama’s actions through a method of norm-centred constructivism. This thesis’ core research question is: to what extent was President Obama’s diplomacy successful in addressing the problem of climate change? Chapter One contextualises the subject matter by providing a background and laying out the criteria for success. Chapter Two argues that there is a lack of consensus regarding what classifies as effective climate diplomacy. This chapter explores the theoretical assumption of norm-centred constructivism, which stated that norms introduced by leaders could change collective identity and overcome anarchy through the creation of a collective community. Chapter Three outlines the methodological framework of norm-centred constructivism. Chapter Four assesses the extent to which President Obama’s climate diplomacy was innovative and creative. Chapter Five discusses President Obama’s achievements and lost opportunities. The core analysis reveals an evaluation of President Obama’s normative influence. Chapter Six summarises the research findings and presents conclusions offering problem-solving solutions. The Obama administration promised dramatic changes in regard to climate leadership. However, the momentum occurred late in the second term. President Obama achieved a reasonable degree of success given the lack of sustained support from public opinion, a number of competing national priorities, political gridlock and constraints exerted by the structure. Although President Obama did not change the system’s structure, his main success was that the worldwide shift toward low-carbon energy has been irreversible. President Obama’s climate diplomacy succeeded in creating the norm of environmental stewardship. The signing of the Paris Agreement generated unprecedented levels of global solidarity. President Obama helped to unite the world around “the spirit of the times”. The creation of a global climate community offers hope for a successful solution.

Citation

Samoraj, J. L. (2018). How successful were President Obama’s efforts in climate diplomacy?. (Thesis). University of Hull. Retrieved from https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4222045

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jan 2, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Keywords: Politics
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4222045
• Additional Information: School of Law and Politics, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Nov 1, 2018